Does your teen watch porn?

By Modasta Editorial
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Published on: June 18, 2017

modasta.com

June 18, 2017

In today’s world, a teenager can get access to anything and everything very easily. They can stumble into pornography either intentionally or accidentally. It is very much normal and healthy for a teenager to be curious about sexuality; however, the scenario today is vastly different. With the ease of access to the internet and other related sources, teenagers today are exposed to pornography easily.

Pornography can have numerous adverse effects on youth, especially if it becomes an addiction. Porn addiction is easier to develop than any other form of addiction, be it tobacco, alcohol, or substance abuse, the main reason being it involves the most sensitive sense in us; the eyes, not to mention the fact that it is easily available and in inexhaustible quantity. It is that much more harmful than other addictions because the images viewed are stored in the memory for a long time, which said to affect the structure and function of the brain. It also affects relationship not to mention the financial aspect where your teen feels compelled to feed his/her addiction.

As parents, we need to be vigilant and look out for the warning signs indicating that our children are getting trapped by this addiction and take necessary action immediately.

Identifying Signs of Pornography Addiction in Teens

Like any addiction, porn addiction can take over your teen’s life. Listed below are few indicators, which can point towards porn addiction in your teen:

Your teen might exhibit a sudden increased need for privacy. You might find your teen locking you out often or changing the computer screen when you are nearby.

Your teen might show less inclination towards spending time with others and might isolate them to a great extent.

There might be a change in behaviour pattern and mood swings.

If your teen is addicted to pornography, it is very likely that they will be awake at odd hours watching porn or indulging in their fantasies which will, in turn, impact their sleep pattern to a large extent.

The decline in academic performance. Due to the bad sleep regime not to mention the effect of pornography on your teen’s mind, it is sure to reflect on their academic performance.

You might find your teen spending more time on internet or phone and might get irritable and distressed if these are made inaccessible.

Effect of porn on teens

Pornography affects your teen at multiple levels, be it physical or emotional:

Pornography addiction can lead to sexual dysfunction like impotence, premature ejaculation, etc.

Pornography is a very unhealthy way for your teen to learn about sexual relationships, they can develop a very unhealthy attitude regarding sexuality and intimacy. It can lead to aberrant sexual behaviours, which might give rise to emotional and behavioural issues.

Pornography addiction can also lead to guilt, depression, loneliness, and emotional detachment.

It affects the academic performance and other developmental activities in teens.

It can lead crimes like sexual harassment.

Teens are more likely to have body image issues and sexual insecurities.

Dopamine is a hormone, which is responsible for mood and pleasure. The production of dopamine increases when one experiences pleasure. As pornography increases pleasure and excitement, the production of dopamine rises which can become addictive.

There can also be short-term as well as long-term memory issues with pornography addiction as well as the risk of developing psychological conditions such as attention deficit disorder, eating disorder, etc.

Tips for Parental Control

Parents are role models for their children; it is important to have open communication with your kids and help them differentiate between right and wrong.

First of all, involve yourself in your teen’s activities on a daily basis. Be aware of what is happening in their life and keep yourself vigilant about any unusual behavioural pattern.

Limit the use of electronic gadgets, be it television, computer, video games, mobiles, etc. Lead by example; involve the entire family in the gadget curfew. Have protective software filters in place to curb accessing undesired sites. Do not allow your teen to use devices in isolation.

Educate your children regarding certain disagreeable situations, which they might find themselves in with their peer group and the consequences of giving into these unhealthy habits.

Be open while communicating with your child about sex and relationship, talk openly about pornography and the ill consequences of giving into the porn addiction. Ensure you are not judgmental and encourage them to ask questions and answer them honestly.

In case your teen exhibits signs of porn addiction, do not be hasty in criticising them. Take the help of support groups, family therapy, and individual therapy depending on the severity of the addiction.

Porn addiction is as harmful as substance abuse addiction. Your teen needs you to be by their side to overcome this. They require reassurance from you that you are not judging them but that you will walk alongside with them and help them out of their predicament.